Settling in at a New Job
Starting a new job can be a nerve-wracking time. You’re adjusting to a new role while meeting lots of unfamiliar people and not knowing where the bathroom is.
Here are some things to remember to try and make your first few days a little easier.
Email your manager before you start- This can just be an introductory message to let them know who you are and asking if there’s anything you need to know about working there. It will mean your manager is a little familiar with you before you start, and will hopefully set you off on the right foot.
Turn up a little early- Obviously don’t turn up an hour before the office opens, but arriving ten minutes or so early will make you look keen to start and make a good impression. Plus, it’s much better to plan to be early than ending up arriving late, possibly one of the worst things you can do when starting a new job.
Have your paperwork ready- Human Resources will want to process things like your payments and benefits as soon as possible, so it’s best to bring all the paperwork you think you might need on your first day.
Request a tour- Chances are someone will show you around your work anyway, but if they don’t be sure to ask for one. There’s nothing worse than being sent off to find a department that you don’t know the location of.
Introduce yourself to your colleges- On your first day you’ll probably be introduced to your workmates all at once and struggle to keep track of them. Try to introduce yourself personally to each of them throughout the week. It’ll help you with their names and them with yours.
Offer to make drinks- There’s no better way to make a good first impression than by offering to make the drinks run at the office.
Take notes- If someone tells you about some important part of your job, like how a piece of software works or where to find something, try and note it down somewhere so you don’t immediately forget. That being said…
Don’t be afraid to ask questions- You’re not going to be expected to remember everything you’re taught straight away. There’s no shame in asking for help when you’ve just started a new job, so don’t be afraid to ask you colleges for clarification on things you don’t know.
Get feedback for you work- There’s no way of knowing if what you’re doing is right if you don’t ask. While you don’t need a response to all the work you do, try to arrange weekly meetings with you manager to see if they’re happy with your work or if you need to improve.
Persist- A big change like a new job can be difficult at first, and you might feel like you’re not up for the challenge. It’s important that you keep a positive attitude and stick with it. Everyone feels overwhelmed at first, you just need to push on through and eventually it will get easier.